Nissan's electric LEAF shines thanks to organic glow-in-the-dark paint
Nissan is the first manufacturer to apply organic glow-in-the-dark paint to its cars, reflecting how its all-electric LEAF is helping more people convert to solar energy at home.
The Japanese manufacturer worked with inventor Hamish Scott, the creator of STARPATH, to carry out the project. STARPATH is a spray-applied coating that absorbs UV energy during the day in order to glow for eight and 10 hours when the sun goes down.
The bespoke ultraviolet-energised paint, created especially for Nissan, contains a secret formula made up of entirely organic materials, including a very rare natural earth product called Strontium Aluminate, which is solid, odourless and chemically and biologically inert.
Although various third-party companies have applied non-organic glow-in-the-dark paint to vehicles in the past, Nissan is the first carmaker to directly apply such technology its vehicles and if the unique paintwork was made commercially available, it would last for 25 years.
Latest research revealed by Nissan shows that 89 per cent of LEAF owners charge their cars at home overnight. Although solar panels do not store energy or charge overnight, any leftover power generated during the day is fed back into the national grid - homeowners can get a Government payment for this, meaning that the overnight charge is already paid for.
LEAF owner Ian Finch said: "Running the Nissan LEAF costs a sixth of the amount we'd pay to run a diesel or petrol car. Overall, we are probably using 25 per cent less electricity thanks to our solar panels and it's a fantastic experience to be able to drive the LEAF using electricity that's been produced completely for free."
Nissan Motor GB EV manager Paul O'Neill added: "The Nissan LEAF is a shining beacon of sustainability and the future of motoring. Not only is it saving our customers money in running costs but it we are now seeing how it is helping people become more environmentally sensitive by reducing their carbon footprint."